Nation briefs

College enrollment 'returns to normal'

College enrollments declined 2.3 percent this spring compared with a year earlier, a sign that more students are returning to the workforce as the economy recovers, a report out Thursday says.

The biggest drops occurred among adult learners attending for-profit colleges and public community colleges, which are most likely to enroll students in vocation-oriented classes tied to the local job market. Enrollments at those institutions fell 8.7 percent and 3.6 percent respectively.

For colleges, which saw enrollments peak in 2011 during the recession, the declining numbers represent "a bit of a return to normal," says Doug Shapiro, executive director of the nonprofit National Student Clearinghouse Research Center, which released the report. "It's reflective of good news for the economy and labor market."

Numbers are based on data provided by about 95 percent of the nation's colleges and universities.

Army chief admits sex abuse persists

The Army's top officer acknowledged that his service is failing in its effort to stop sexual assaults, as he and the nation's other top defense leaders were summoned to the White House Thursday to discuss the militarywide problem.

Gen. Ray Odierno, Army chief of staff, issued a message to all soldiers in which he said the "bedrock of trust" between soldiers and their leaders has been violated by a recent string of misconduct cases.

"We are entrusted with ensuring the health and welfare of America's sons and daughters," he added. "There are no bystanders in this effort."

Second arrest made in parade shooting

A second suspect has been arrested in the shooting that injured 20 people at a parade on Mother's Day, police said Thursday afternoon.

Shawn Scott, 24, was arrested Thursday, police Chief Ronal Serpas said. He is the brother of 19-year-old Akein Scott, who was arrested Wednesday night in the shooting.

Both face 20 counts of attempted second-degree murder, and Serpas said investigators believe the Scotts worked together in the shooting.

- Associated Press

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Nation briefs

College enrollments declined 2.3percent this spring compared with a year earlier, a sign that more students are returning to the workforce as the economy recovers, a report out Thursday says.